I was so excited to find these stunning edible flowers in my local Budgen the other day!
They were packaged like this in a plastic box and displayed with the fresh fruit. I was really happy to see that they had been grown near to where I live as it's lovely to support your local produce suppliers where possible.
I've had a quick search online and, as I suspected, they are zero propoints and contain very few (if any) calories. They are, however, high in nutrients and very good for you.
I just had to rush home and put them in a fruit salad with some freshly picked mint. I was like a woman possessed!
***
So, after that I started to think. There were loads of flowers in the packet and I knew they wouldn't last long. Somewhere in my distant memory, I had seen a picture of a bowl made of ice which contained flowers... so I experimented and am pretty delighted with the results.
I now have a gorgeous decorative bowl in my freezer for the next time I have guests...and have preserved my edible flowers for a little longer. Have a go-it's really easy and well worth the effort.
***
How to make an ice bowl
You basically need 2 bowls, one slightly larger than the other but of similar proportions.
Take the larger bowl and put some water in the base. Scatter a few flowers and fresh mint leaves facing upwards (so that you get the pretty side facing upwards into the finished bowl).
Put some ice into the smaller bowl. This weighs it down and keeps it in place when freezing.
Place the small bowl inside the large one, on top of the flowers. I'm no scientist but I remember the water displacement thing...The water comes up between the two bowls. Top it up, leaving a few centimetres space to allow for expansion when it freezes. (Wow! so much science!) Arrange the flowers carefully, pushing them down the space with scissors or a thin implement. Face the flowers outwards on the sides so that you see the most beautiful aspect once frozen.
Keep building your design adding flowers and herbs as you go. I used mint leaves and also some dill as I love the delicacy and lacy texture of it.
Once you are happy with the design, tie the two bowls together, This keeps the bowl shape intact and even when freezing.
Pop in the freezer. I left mine overnight. It needs a few hours.
When you are ready to 'release' the bowl, simply pop some hot tap water into the inside bowl for a few seconds until you can lift it off. Turn the large bowl over and run some hot water over the base of it until you can lift out the ice bowl.
It's like magic! You are left with this amazing, stunning sculptural bowl which looks like frosted glass. I just love the way the light shines through the ice.
I popped strawberries into mine because I wanted to keep it simple...but imagine a small one made with slices of lemon and dill to house some smoked salmon? I think I can feel some more coming on!
It's now happily in my freezer, (standing on a plastic lid for easy removal) until the next special event....I can't wait to use it!
***
2 comments:
This is so gorgeous!!! What an amazing idea for a party! Thank you for sharing at Fit and Fabulous Fridays!!
Thanks Amee! x
Post a Comment